Types of Intra Ocular Lens (IOLs)

Until recently, choosing the type of Intra Ocular Lens implant to correct your vision following cataract removal was left to the surgeon.

Today, there are many types of Intra Ocular Lens Implants (IOL) that your surgeon can use in order to provide you with the best results to match your lifestyle.

Each of these lenses use a slightly different design to help you achieve your goal of clear vision and each has advantages and disadvantages. Which one is best for you depends on the unique characteristics of your eye as well as your lifestyle needs.

Monofocal IOL

Monofoal IOL lens provides clear vision at one set focal length, usually long distance. This provides excellent long distance vision through reading glasses may be needed for short-sighted activities such as reading.

Monovision IOL

Monovision IOL lens allows you to see up close with one eye while seeing clearly at a distance with the other eye.

The part of the brain related to vision tends to filter out the image from the eye that is not in clear focus so you eventually stop paying attention to the eye that’s not as clearly focused. This allows for good vision, both near and distance, without the hassles of corrective lenses. However, monovision is not for everyone and does take some time to adjust. Monovision doesn’t correct vision as sharply as having both eyes corrected to the same focus. It’s best suited for people who have a strong preference not to wear corrective lenses such as reading glasses.

Toric IOL

When a patient has significant astigmatism, a single vision IOL will not give clear vision at any distance. Patients with astigmatism have corneas that aren’t round but oblong, like a football. Toric IOLs have a unique design that offsets the imbalance of the corneal astigmatism to significantly improve distance (or near) vision in these patients who otherwise would need glasses after surgery.

Multifocal / Accommodative Lens Implants

Advanced Technology Intraocular lens implants, also referred to as Multifocal or Accommodative IOLs, provide a full range of vision allowing people to see well at more than one distance, with less dependence on glasses following cataract surgery.

For the vast majority of patients, a multifocal lens implant means they will be able to see at distance and up close without being dependent on eyeglasses.